Director, Divisional Initiatives and University Ombudsperson

Dr. Jennifer Rau is the Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs and University Ombudsperson at the University of Miami. In this role, she assists the Vice President with administrative issues, mediates student concerns and grievances by working with administrators, faculty and students, supports crisis management efforts, and coordinates and communication and marketing for the Division of Student Affairs.

Dr. Rau earned her doctorate from James Madison University in Strategic Leadership in the College of Business. During her time at JMU she held several positions related to assessment and student engagement. Previously, she worked at the University of Virginia with student activities and student organizations and serving as a sorority chapter advisor. She has also taught a number of courses on leadership. Dr. Rau completed a Master of Education degree in College Student Affairs at the University of South Florida and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida.